TheobaldBöhm (Boehm) (April 9, 1794- November 27, 1881)
Though there are many flute,clarinet, and oboe players in the world how many of them would know about a man named Theobald Boehm? Though Theobald Boehm is the reason why we as musicians are able to play intricate pieces on the flute, clarinet, and oboe with ease, many would still be lost if asked a question about him. Boehm is the father of the modern day key mechanism for most woodwind instruments and yet goes without proper recognition. Let's look deeper into the life and legacies left behind by the "master of the mechanism", Mr. Theobald Boehm.
Early life:
Boehm was born in Munich Bavaria in 1794. Before making his first flute he was a goldsmith, a craft he had learned from his father. After making his first flute he was good enough to play in an orchestra at age 18. By the time Boehm was twenty-one he was so good that he was able play with the Royal Bavarian Orchestra. Boehm was the first flautist ever in this orchestra.
Beginnings of the keyed-flute:
After learning to play at a professional level Boehm began experimenting with wood and tone-hole placement on the flute to help to make it easier and better sounding than before. Boehm began experimenting with different mechanisms in 1832 after studying acoustics at the University of Munich. Boehm patented the first mechanism for flute in 1847. That same year Boehm published a book titled "Über den Flötenbau" which outlined the process of making his design for the flute. The first flute with this mechanism was shown to the public in 1851 at the London Exhibit.
One of Boehm's early flute. Date: ca. 1880 Geography: Munich, Germany Medium: Silver, gold Dimensions: L. 84.8 cm (33 3/8 in.) Classification: Aerophone-Blow Hole Credit Line: Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2007 Accession Number: 2007.227a, b
Boehm early flute. Date: ca. 1840 Geography: Munich, Germany Medium: Rosewood, silver Dimensions: Overall length: 66.5 cm (26 3/16 in.) Classification: Aerophone-Blow Hole Credit Line: Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2008 Accession Number: 2008.138a–d
Date: 1828–32 Geography: Munich, Germany Medium: Ebony, ivory, silver Dimensions: Total length: 669 mm head length 229 mm; middle section 289 mm; foot joint 151 mm Classification: Aerophone-Blow Hole Credit Line: Purchase, Robert Alonzo Lehman Bequest, 2009 Accession Number: 2009.333a–k
After the first flute:
Boehm published the book "Flöte und das Flötenspiel" which explained the technical and tonal qualities of the flute as well as the various playing techniques. From there the French made small adjustments to the design after Louis Dorus became head of the Conservatoire de Paris. This then led to the Americans modifying the design of the French which then created the design that standardized the flute throughout the classical music world. Boehm was also responsible for improvements in the construction of music boxes, pianos, a sparkproof locomotive chimney, and a telescope for locating fires.
(April 9, 1794- November 27, 1881)
Though there are many flute,clarinet, and oboe players in the world how many of them would know about a man named Theobald Boehm? Though Theobald Boehm is the reason why we as musicians are able to play intricate pieces on the flute, clarinet, and oboe with ease, many would still be lost if asked a question about him. Boehm is the father of the modern day key mechanism for most woodwind instruments and yet goes without proper recognition. Let's look deeper into the life and legacies left behind by the "master of the mechanism", Mr. Theobald Boehm.
Early life:
Boehm was born in Munich Bavaria in 1794. Before making his first flute he was a goldsmith, a craft he had learned from his father. After making his first flute he was good enough to play in an orchestra at age 18. By the time Boehm was twenty-one he was so good that he was able play with the Royal Bavarian Orchestra. Boehm was the first flautist ever in this orchestra.
Beginnings of the keyed-flute:
After learning to play at a professional level Boehm began experimenting with wood and tone-hole placement on the flute to help to make it easier and better sounding than before. Boehm began experimenting with different mechanisms in 1832 after studying acoustics at the University of Munich. Boehm patented the first mechanism for flute in 1847. That same year Boehm published a book titled "Über den Flötenbau" which outlined the process of making his design for the flute. The first flute with this mechanism was shown to the public in 1851 at the London Exhibit.
After the first flute:
Boehm published the book "Flöte und das Flötenspiel" which explained the technical and tonal qualities of the flute as well as the various playing techniques. From there the French made small adjustments to the design after Louis Dorus became head of the Conservatoire de Paris. This then led to the Americans modifying the design of the French which then created the design that standardized the flute throughout the classical music world. Boehm was also responsible for improvements in the construction of music boxes, pianos, a sparkproof locomotive chimney, and a telescope for locating fires.
One of Boehm's compositions
Works Cited
"Flutehistory.com: Theobald Boehm (1794-1881)." Flutehistory.com: Welcome. Web. Nov. 2011. <http://www.flutehistory.com/Players/Theobald_Boehm/index.php3>.
"The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Alto Flute." The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Home. Web. Nov. 2011. <http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/180017629>.
"The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Transverse Flute." The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Home. Web. Nov. 2011. <http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/180017816>.
"The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Transverse Flute." The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Home. Web. Nov. 2011. <http://www.metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/180018208>.
"Theobald Boehm." American Memory- Library of Congress. Web. <http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/dcmhtml/may5.html>.
"Theobald Boehm." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. Nov. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobald_Boehm>.